Large brass Kirtimukha from South India. The Kirtimukha would once have been at the apex of a large prabhavali. Kirtimukha, ‘the face of glory’, or the bulging face of a ravenous lion, averts malignant influences and protects devotees.
The story of Kirtimukha begins with King Jalandhara, who by virtue of extraordinary austerities, accumulated to himself irresistible powers. In a burst of pride, he sent forth his messenger, the monster Rahu, and challenged Shiva to give up his bride Parvati. Shiva's answer was to explode a tremendous burst of power from his third eye, which created a horrendous, emaciated, ravenous lion. A terrified Rahu sought Shiva's mercy, which Shiva agreed to. But how then were they to feed the ravenous demon lion? Shiva suggested that the monster should feed on its own flesh. So Kirtimukha willingly ate his body, starting with his tail, stopping only when his face remained. Shiva was so pleased with the result, he gave it the name 'Face of Glory'.
